Seperates Question

[bionicmushroom]

I havent ever used a seperate amp and processor but I was looking on Outlaws website at theirs and noticed that they really arent priced that bad when you compare them to the higher end avr's. What about the sound? It looks like you would get more power with the amp and processor than you would the avr. Sooner or later I will be needing to upgrade when I get the cash and would like the best bang for my buck. I like to plan in advance that way when the day comes....BAM!! Cause you know when mama gives ya the go ahead on something you better not drag your feet!! LOL!!

[Dennis Gardner]

If you have a need to get into HT with an AVR due to $$$, just make sure you get one that has preamp outputs so that external amps can be added.

Outlaw is a nice value in separates. The 990 preamp comes in several hundreds below the Newcastle model and has more features than its chassis twin. Outlaw amps have been made by ATI in the past, but I'm not sure about their most recent offerings. They beat ATI is pricing most of the time too.

[bionicmushroom]

Yeah my current avr doesnt have the outputs on it. I have just been stuck using it for a couple or three years..Hehe..been a whole lot going on I guess but Im hoping the things will be straight maybe around the end of summer or beginning of the fall. I even pondered on selling off my speakers for a while but I am glad that I didnt since I have regained some interest again. How much juice can I put to my current setup for the best sound? I have the Rt1000i's, CS400i, and the F/X500i's, I never did get to add a sub but that is something else that I will be having to look into. Thanx for the reply!

[Dennis Gardner]

150-200 wpc is really a nice place to be for most of Polks mid/upper lines.

A good sub will really change the way you enjoy movies. I might go with a sub before an AVR/amp change.

[bionicmushroom]

Really? I may have to look into that. My current avr is a 998 or nine something Sony but I definately feel it isnt doing me any justice. It was ok for what it was at the time but I definately feel I need to move on...lol.

[Holydoc]

Off Subject: Outlaw's amps are still being manufactored by ATI. Matter of fact when you receive one, the mailing slip even states that it was shipped from ATI.

On Subject: Bio, there is some information (well very little) in this thread where I asked the question concerning Pre-amp/amp versus a receiver:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37954&highlight=holydoc

Also for the sound of the Outlaw setup, this thread has some good stuff:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38786&highlight=holydoc

[bionicmushroom]

Thanx for the info, some interesting points. I wonder if I would really benefit with my setup? I know that you can always benefit from more power....Is the processing of say a lower end Denon avr the same as a higher end one and the only difference being the power rating and of course some bells and whistles? If that would be the case then I would definately save by getting the lower end one and adding a seperate amp wouldnt I? I must say though, I do prefer simple....I think that there is too much stuff on the one I have. When you get into the eq there is just too much stuff to get into that if you dont know specifics it would probally just make it sound worse like putting in the khz and all that for each level of the speaker. Do most of you use the eq on your avr or just leave it off? I know it would be nice to tweak it just right but you have to have the knowledge...Anyways, thanx for the input, I just get aggrevated on the specifics...LOL!!

[audiobliss]

Outlaw seperates offer a great value in the realm of higher-end audio. Quite a few people here are running them with great satisfaction. As for a sub addition over upgrading to seperates, I think I'd be tempted to go with seperates first. But then again, I'm a music guy, so a sub isn't nearly as important for me as it would be in a HT. Perhaps you would notice a bigger difference with a sub first.

I would say a cheaper AVR would make for a fine HT preamp. Look into some used or refurbished Denons or HK's. There are differences in processing as you go up the chain, but you should be satisfied with a cheaper AVR as long as it has 5.1 (and 6.1/7.1 if you're planning to upgrade to it later on), preouts, and whatever features are important to you.

[ohskigod]

outlaw pre/pro (the older 950) and 2 monoblock amps

fantastic performers, even with the notoriously hard to drive LSi line.


you will not go wrong going all Outlaw instead of a pricey reciever, gives you plenty of versatility for upgrades, not that you will need them any time soon.

[cfrizz]

+1 on what Audiobliss said Bionic! Although I would probably save for an Outlaw combo myself. When I do decide to upgrade my electronics I will be going back to separates.

Welcome to CP!

[thuchien]

http://store.yahoo.com/legacy2/atteca2andp2.html

Atlantic Technology P2000 Preamp & A2000 Amp PKG NEW Stock for $1400

the altantic pre is the same unit as outlaw 950 and i not sure about the amp but i think it is good because it is weight 75 lbs

[cfrizz]

Then that means it's already behind the 8 ball as far as features go. And the amp is only 120 wpcx5.

I'd go with an Outlaw 990/amp combo & not look back


http://store.yahoo.com/legacy2/atteca2andp2.html

Atlantic Technology P2000 Preamp & A2000 Amp PKG NEW Stock for $1400

the altantic pre is the same unit as outlaw 950 and i not sure about the amp but i think it is good because it is weight 75 lbs

[reeltrouble1]

Mr. Strongmushroom,

I had a very similiar setup to yours when I first started an HT rig. After I put a 200 wpc B&K amp at 75 amps pk2pk on my rig, the 1000i did fairly well, actually great for HT, however, I was not satisfied with them musically, the 1000i can be harsh with certain gear, this was the case with just my Onk, things got a bit better with the B&K but I could only listen at volume for about an hour or so before fatigue set in, at low volume the 1000i lacked a bit in presence, sounding a tad thin, without the resolution I was looking for.

If you only want HT or some type of head banging stomp the RT1000i are great, otherwise, well, Polk has more muscial speakers.

RT1

[danger boy]

http://www.prillaman.net/990_review.html

[szhleppy]

I would also recommend the Newcastle separates...if you don't need the internal HDMI link (only difference between this and the Outlaw separates). They have been out for a while and you can probably get a good deal. The P965 is upgradable and their customer service is outstanding.

[bionicmushroom]

Sorry I have been tied up for a couple of days but I really appreciate the input. Unless something comes up I think I will try to check out some seperates like Outlaw, it seems like they have a pretty good bang for the buck and would definately make things a little more flexable. looks like I need to start making some rounds to the stores ehy? Thanx guys!

[cfrizz]

Our pleasure.

And by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[Ron-P]

I upgraded to an Outlaw 950 pre/pro and love it. You won't regret becomming an Outlaw.

I run 4 Adcom 2-channel GFA-535 amps and an Adcom 5002 2-channel amp to power all my Polks, great amps. I landed the majority of them off ebay and fairly cheap. For all 5 amps I paid roughly $700.

Once you go seperates you'll never go back.